{"title":"Mike Dash","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover the captivating works of Mike Dash, a master storyteller with a deep passion for uncovering riveting historical narratives. Delve into the world of intriguing events and characters from the past with his meticulously researched books, which have captivated readers worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong Dash's notable works is \u003cem\u003eBatavia's Graveyard\u003c\/em\u003e, a spellbinding tale of the ill-fated voyage of the Dutch East India Company ship, Batavia, in the 17th century. This gripping account combines elements of history and adventure, weaving a narrative that is both educational and thrilling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDash's writings are particularly suited for those fascinated by History \u0026amp; Military themes, offering detailed insights and engaging stories that bring history to life. Whether you're a seasoned history buff or a curious reader, Mike Dash's books promise an enriching and immersive experience. Explore his collection today and embark on journeys through time with these timeless historical tales.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"batavias-graveyard","title":"Batavia's Graveyard","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBatavia's Graveyard\u003c\/em\u003e by Mike Dash is a harrowing account of survival, treachery, and bravery that transports readers back to the 17th century and the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Dutch East Indiaman Batavia. In 1629, the Batavia struck an uncharted reef off the coast of what is now Australia, leading to a catastrophic shipwreck. Onboard were 332 men, women, and children, many of whom were transported to a tiny, desolate coral island less than half a mile in length. What ensued was a saga of unimaginable horror and human endurance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs some survivors embarked on a perilous lifeboat journey to seek help, a band of mutineers, driven by inscrutable motives, assumed control of the remaining group. Led by the sinister apothecary Jeronimus Cornelisz, whose personal philosophy was shaped by the esoteric Rosicrucianism, the mutineers unleashed a cold-blooded killing spree. By the time the rescue boat arrived three months later, fewer than 80 people out of the original 332 were still alive. The island had become a living hell where the strongest and most ruthless thrived.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBatavia's Graveyard\u003c\/em\u003e masterfully weaves the stories of three compelling figures at the heart of this tragedy. Francisco Pelsaert, the cultivated yet weak-willed captain, struggles to maintain order and dignity in the face of chaos. Meanwhile, Jeronimus Cornelisz, with his terrifying ideology and ruthless ambitions, sets himself up as the tyrannical ruler of the castaway community. In stark contrast, Wiebbe Hayes emerges as the hero, a courageous and resourceful soldier who dares to stand against Cornelisz and his followers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe book delves deeply into the broader historical context, offering readers rich insights into the workings of the Dutch East India Company and its role in global trade. It also covers the European discovery of Australia, painting a vivid picture of the early 17th-century world. Mike Dash presents this dark episode in maritime history not just as a grisly tale of survival, but as a gripping narrative that speaks to the extreme lengths humans will go to, in both the pursuit of power and the struggle to maintain their humanity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEngrossing and meticulously researched, \u003cem\u003eBatavia's Graveyard\u003c\/em\u003e is a fascinating read that will captivate history buffs and fans of true crime alike, shedding light on one of the most bizarre and brutal mutinies in seafaring history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Gardners Books Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45711123153132,"sku":"9780753816844","price":24.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780753816844.jpg?v=1725971642"},{"product_id":"batavias-graveyard-by-mike-dash-9780609807163","title":"Batavia's Graveyard","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1628, the Dutch East India Company loaded the \u003ci\u003eBatavia\u003c\/i\u003e, the flagship of its fleet, with a king’s ransom in gold, silver, and gems for her maiden voyage to Java. The ship itself was a tangible symbol of the world’s richest and most powerful monopoly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe company also sent along a new employee to guard its treasure. He was Jeronimus Corneliszoon, a disgraced and bankrupt man with great charisma and dangerously heretical ideas. With the help of a few disgruntled sailors, he hatched a plot to seize the ship and her riches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe mutiny might have succeeded, but in the dark morning hours of June 3, 1629, the \u003ci\u003eBatavia\u003c\/i\u003e smashed through a coral reef and ran aground on a small chain of islands near Australia. The captain and skipper escaped the wreck, and in a tiny lifeboat, they set sail for Java—some 1,500 miles north—to summon help. More than 250 frightened survivors waded ashore, thankful to be alive. Unfortunately, Jeronimus and the mutineers had survived too, and the nightmare was only beginning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ingram Book Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46151917437164,"sku":"9780609807163","price":50.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780609807163.jpg?v=1738730703"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/mike-dash.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}